MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I.   PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Manufacturer/Supplier:

ESPI Metals

1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520

Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313

E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Product Name:     Bismuth Oxide

Formula:              Bi₂O₃

CAS Number:       1304-76-3

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Bismuth Oxide

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA/PEL:                        N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                       N/E

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                              2

Flammability:                   0

Reactivity:                        0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                  1890 ^oC

Melting Point:                 825 ^oC

Specific Gravity:            8.9 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:            Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:   Heavy yellow powder, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

Explosive Limits:  Lower:  N/A         Upper:  N/A

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding materials and type of fire.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full-face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.  Fumes from fire are hazardous.  Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  Bismuth oxide may emit toxic fumes if involved in a fire.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of bismuth oxide have not been thoroughly investigated and reported.

Bismuth and its salts can cause kidney damage, although the degree of such damage is usually mild.  Large doses can be fatal.  Industrially it is considered one of the less toxic of the heavy metals.  Serious and sometimes fatal poisoning may occur from the injection of large doses into closed cavities and from extensive application to burns.  It is stated that the administration of bismuth should be stopped when gingivitis appears, for otherwise serious ulceration stomatitis is likely to result.  Other toxic results may develop, such as a vague feeling of bodily discomfort, presence of albumin, or other protein substance in the urine, diarrhea, skin reactions and sometimes serious exodermatitis.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition)

Insoluble bismuth compounds are generally considered to be of low toxicity.  Chronic exposure via inhalation or ingestion can cause the development of "bismuth line", a blue-black line of the gum as well as foul breath and  excessive salivation.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May be a nuisance dust causing respiratory irritation.

Ingestion:  No acute health effects recorded.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Ingestion:  Bismuth compounds may cause mild kidney damage and ulcerative stomatitis.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the kidneys.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing skin and respiratory disorders.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No               IARC:  No             OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove to fresh air; keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention.

INGESTION:  If conscious, give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting; keep warm and quiet; seek medical attention.

SKIN:  Remove any contaminated clothing, brush material off of skin, flush with running water, wash carefully with soap and water.

EYE:  Flush with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes, seek medical attention.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Chlorine trifluoride, potassium, sodium

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Bismuth, oxides of bismuth.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur.

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified below.  Isolate spill and provide adequate ventilation.  Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal.  Take care not to raise dust.

Waste Disposal Method:  In accordance with Local, State and Federal Waste Disposal Regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type):  NIOSH approved dust-fume-mist cartridge respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low exposure levels.  General exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses

Other Protective Equipment:   Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in a cool, dry area.  Store in tightly sealed container.  Store away from incompatible material.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

Work Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices.  Do not use tobacco or food in work area.  Wash thoroughly before eating or smoking.  Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.  Maintain eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench shower and facilities for washing.

The above information is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide.  ESPI shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued by:                           S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:                  October 2002